UN calls for preserving democratic values of Tunisian revolution

By Mohammad Tareq

ANKARA (AA) – United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for preserving the democratic values of the Tunisian revolution.

“The Tunisian democratic revolution was something that inspired hope around the world, and we certainly want it to be preserved in all democratic values,” Guterres said in a press conference.

Guterres said the UN is following "with concern" the developments in Tunisia following the exceptional measures taken by Tunisian President Kais Saied, in which he consolidated much of the country's power under his authority.

“We see the concerns and I hope that these concerns will be lifted by the full restoration of an institutional democratic framework that works for all Tunisians,” he said.

On July 25, Saied ousted the government, suspended parliament and assumed executive authority. While he insists that his "exceptional measures" are meant to "save" the country, critics have accused him of orchestrating a coup.

* Writing by Ahmed Asmar